Critic Reviews

Star Wars is bankable. You know it, I know it, and LucasArts sure a heck knows it. But if they're going to keep making games like this one, I think we can all rest a bit easier knowing that the future of Star Wars games is pretty safe. If you're not a fan of the saga, you may not be as swept away by this game as some, and you probably didn't read this far into the article anyway. But if you're like me and enjoy anything Star Wars related, you're sure to get some fun out of the deal.

Force Unleashed can be frustrating, and its flaws get in the way of having a good time far more than they should. But while it might not live up to the hype and expectations, it is one of the better Star Wars games out there, and a decent action game in its own right.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a valiant effort at rejuvenating the largely underwhelming Star Wars videogame franchise. Uninspired level design and some tedious enemy battles mar an experience that gives you power over the Force like we've never really seen before. While it's far from perfect, Star Wars fans will find that it's worth playing through simply for its story and the ability to use the Force in fairly awesome ways.

The only redeeming quality is the story, which efficiently bridges both Star Wars generations. If you ever wanted to know how the Rebel Alliance was formed, this title does the trick. The game isn’t all bad. Action, though mindless and exploitable is gratifying. Starkiller can truly dish out some pain. It’s a shame he does it in such a linear way and in such a short amount of time. The game is too short despite the extras and alternate ending. So after all the hype and media frenzy this beast only manages to groan… like that Rancor Luke Skywalker crushed in Jabba’s Palace.

'After the credits roll, Force Unleashed isn't the end-all, be-all interactive Star Wars experience but it manages to showcase some interesting new game technology and is a mostly fun virtual slugfest that's worth killing a few hours to experience. It will at least inspire you to dust off those Star Wars DVDs and relive the magic all over again.

In the end, Force Unleashed on PS2 feels like a tech demo. Though there are a ton of really cool gameplay elements to experience, not enough of them come together to make for a truly fun adventure. Players can squeeze enjoyable moments out of the game, but Unleashed is a missed opportunity in most respects. The story might satisfy fans desperate for anything Star Wars related, but it adds nothing of great value to the canon. There are, however, a ton of unlockables, including images, costumes, Force powers, and light-saber crystals (which change the glow of your saber). For diehards, Unleashed is probably worth a rental. Experience the story, check out the cool Force powers, and then be done with the game. For those seeking a really entertaining, action-adventure game on PS2, you should probably check elsewhere.

Unlockable costumes and other extras won't give you much reason to return, but some extra levels lengthen the playtime over the mostly similar Wii version. So if you're in the mood to slash up Jawas, this is your chance, though The Force Unleashed may not be as raucously entertaining as you may have expected. Nevertheless, if you've got six or seven hours to kill, this is a fair way to spend them, particularly if you're a Star Wars devotee looking to fill in the gaps between Episodes III and IV.

It is unfortunate that the setbacks are so blatant, because the title really draws from the rich Star Wars mythos and makes you experience the power of the force. But with the lack of gameplay polish, The Force Unleashed, like the secret apprentice himself, simply doesn't always play well with the other children.